Case studies

This case study provides students/managers an opportunity to learn about the following: to infer the challenges involved in the downsizing of employees; to asses and evaluate BYJU’S organizational culture; and to determine the impact of workplace toxicity.

The focus of this case is the controversy faced by BYJU’S due to its mass layoffs and toxic work culture. This case discusses the CEO’s dilemma in resolving the controversy. Two rounds of mass layoffs at BYJU’S are discussed in detail. The industrial dispute filed by Employees Union against BYJU’S accusing it of denying due compensation to laid-off employees is also discussed. This case consists of a section explaining the toxic work culture at BYJU’S, which is supported by employee complaints. The CEO’s justification and apology have been illustrated in this case. The case ends with a closing dilemma and challenges faced by the CEO.

The case is best suited for undergraduate students studying Human Resources Management subjects in Commerce and Business Management streams. The authors suggest that the instructor inform students to read the case before attending the 90-min session. It can be executed in the classroom after discussing the theoretical concepts.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

After completion of the case study, students will be able to recall the fundamental concepts of group arrival and the check-in process within the hotel industry; explain the various operational procedures used to enhance a smooth group check-in in hotels; use the steps defined in group check-in procedure to improve service efficiency in hotel operations; and examine and evaluate the optimal solution for a smooth group check-in for hotels.

“The Big Fat Indian Wedding” delves into the challenges faced by Hotel Plaza Blu, a business hotel in Pune, Maharashtra, in 2023. A big wedding group was arriving at the hotel, which comprised almost 350 adults and 120 children. Mr Parag Patil, the front office manager, had done all the preparations for group arrival but just one hour before the arrival Mr Suresh Menon, the group coordinator, came and informed that 150 additional guests would be arriving, as the other hotel, where arrangements for these guests were made, had a major electricity generator breakdown and the hotel was in complete blackout. Patil had the challenge of formulating an action plan to achieve a smooth group check-in with the last-minute changes.

Executive development programmes and graduate-level courses in non-profit hospitality and tourism management might benefit from this case study. The operational management courses in the BBA, UG management programmes might all benefit from using this case study.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

The learning objectives of this case study based on Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956) will be to analyze the procurement process and identify the parameters for the procurement of services; evaluate the potential risks and challenges associated with relying on a single vendor for critical services; apply the four-stage model of crisis management to the breach of contract by Fresh Bites Catering; examine how adopting sustainable procurement practices, such as diversifying suppliers and establishing contingency plans, can mitigate these risks and ensure business continuity; and analyze the dynamics, roles and potential conflicts between the principal (Multan University) and agent (Fresh Bites Catering) using the principal–agent theory (PAT).

This case study explores the challenges and implications of sustainable procurement within the context of Multan University’s cafeteria services. It delves into the sudden contract breach by Fresh Bites Catering, a long-time partner responsible for providing central cafeteria services, and examines the resulting operational crisis faced by the university. This case study highlights key procurement processes, including vendor selection, contract management and adherence to sustainability principles, as well as the risks associated with single-vendor dependency. By applying frameworks such as the PAT, the four-stage model of crisis management and sustainable procurement practices, this case study encourages students to critically assess the failures in contract enforcement, risk mitigation and service continuity. Additionally, it stimulates discussion on the benefits of robust risk management strategies, multi-vendor approaches and clear contract terms to prevent future disruptions in essential services. This case study serves as a valuable tool for understanding how procurement strategies influence organizational performance and long-term sustainability in higher education institutions.

This is a decision-making case and can be taught in Master of Business Administration courses in purchase and supply management and operations management. This case study is mainly written to make students understand and analyze the potential risks of a single vendor, the benefits of diversifying suppliers and sustainable procurement.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.